Sky Coyote

In Sky Coyote, the second novel of Kage Baker's Company series, immortal cyborg operative Joseph arrives at a Company base in California in 1699. Joseph must impersonate Sky Coyote, a Native American deity, to interact with the Chumash tribe before Spanish colonization changes their world forever. The mission requires Joseph to convince the Chumash village of Humashup to relocate, allowing the Company to preserve their culture and artifacts. He assembles a team of fellow Company operatives, including the botanist Mendoza from the previous novel and anthropologist Imarte, each bringing their specialized skills to the complex operation. The narrative explores the intersection of past and future through advanced beings interacting with 17th century Native Americans, while maintaining the secrecy of their true nature. The plot centers on Joseph's performance as Sky Coyote and the team's efforts to complete their preservation mission before colonial forces arrive. Sky Coyote examines themes of cultural preservation, the ethics of intervention, and the complex relationship between technology and traditional ways of life. Through its science fiction framework, the novel raises questions about the nature of progress and the true cost of protecting the past.

Readers found Sky Coyote less compelling than Baker's first Company novel, with many noting a shift in tone and pacing. The book scores 3.89/5 on Goodreads and 4.1/5 on Amazon across 1,200+ ratings. Readers appreciated: - Joseph's humor and personality as narrator - Details about the Chumash culture and customs - The expansion of the Company's inner workings - Interactions between immortals and humans Common criticisms: - Slower plot with less action than the first book - Too much exposition and historical detail - Less emotional depth than In the Garden of Iden - Some found Joseph's narrative voice grating Several reviewers noted the book works better on re-reads once familiar with the series. One Goodreads reviewer said "The anthropological elements are fascinating but overshadow the actual story." Multiple Amazon reviews mentioned struggling to connect with Joseph after relating strongly to Mendoza in book one.

Lost Horizon by James Hilton A tale of immortals preserving an ancient culture in a hidden Tibetan monastery connects to Sky Coyote's themes of cultural preservation and timeless beings living among mortals.

Pastwatch: The Redemption of Christopher Columbus by Orson Scott Card Time travelers attempt to alter the course of colonial history by interacting with indigenous peoples, mirroring Sky Coyote's exploration of cultural intervention.

The Years of Rice and Salt by Kim Stanley Robinson An alternate history following immortal souls through centuries of cultural change parallels the long-view perspective of Company operatives in Sky Coyote.

A Scientific Romance by Ronald Wright A time traveler encounters transformed cultures and contemplates civilization's evolution, echoing Sky Coyote's examination of technological advancement versus traditional ways.

The Divide by Alan Dean Foster Advanced beings interact with primitive cultures while maintaining their cover, reflecting Sky Coyote's themes of cultural contact and technological secrecy.

🌟 Kage Baker worked as an artist in theater, creating props and teaching Elizabethan English to actors, which influenced her detailed historical storytelling. 🌟 The Chumash people, central to the plot, were skilled maritime people who built sophisticated plank canoes called tomols and maintained extensive trade networks along the California coast. 🌟 Baker's portrayal of time travel in The Company series was inspired by her fascination with California history and her work at the Living History Centre in Novato. 🌟 The character of Sky Coyote draws from actual Chumash mythology, where Coyote is a powerful trickster deity who often helps humans while causing mischief. 🌟 The novel's 1699 setting coincides with a pivotal period in California history, just before Spanish colonization would dramatically transform the region's indigenous cultures.